ICONic Awards – celebrating marketing excellence, innovation and impact in professional services
The 2026 ICONic Awards recognise exceptional achievements by individuals and teams during the 2025 calendar year in business development, marketing, communications and client relationship roles within professional services firms – including law, accounting, consulting, engineering, IT, etc – across the Asia-Pacific region. The awards celebrate innovation, strategic thinking, measurable impact and outstanding leadership.
Final week for ICONic Awards Nomination
Time is running out to nominate for the 2026 ICONic Awards, recognising the individuals and teams delivering excellence, innovation and impact across business development, marketing, communications and client experience in professional services.
If you or your team delivered work you’re proud of in 2025, now is the time to put your nomination in.
Nominations close this Friday, 13 February 2026 with finalists announced 23 February 2026. Winners celebrated at regional awards ceremonies on 12 March 2026.
AWARD CATEGORIES |
Individual
Bright Spark Award for BD/Marketing/Communications Rising Star of the Year
For an emerging professional (up to 5 years’ experience) showing exceptional potential and impact.
Proudly sponsored by Greenlight Consulting
Strategic Champion Award for BD/Marketing/Communications Leader of the Year
For a senior professional demonstrating leadership, innovation and measurable contribution to firm growth.
Proudly sponsored by Seldon Rosser
Teams
Precision Impact Award for Best Campaign – Brand, Practice or Service
Outstanding execution and results for a campaign focused on one firmwide initiative or service line (ie corporate law, audit, IT advisory).
Proudly sponsored by Optimise Media
Narrative Impact Award for Marketing / Communications Excellence
For a team whose marketing and communications campaign has strengthened the firm’s reputation and brand through creative storytelling, media engagement, or thought leadership.
Proudly sponsored by Folk
Digital Dynamo Award for Best Use of Technology in BD/Marketing
Innovative use of AI, CRM, automation, digital marketing, analytics or other technology to drive engagement and growth.
Proudly sponsored by InterAction+
Client Champion Award for Client Program of the Year
Outstanding program aimed at client loyalty, client listening or client experience.
Proudly sponsored by ACT XM
MEET OUR JUDGES
Sue Dean, BDO Andrew McGrath, Greenlight Consulting Lauren Hughes, Freshfields Katie Rosser, Seldon Rosser Chris Barron, Optimise Media Kathryn Illy, Australian Centre for AI in Marketing Antonia Calvo, ACT XM | Michael Bloom, Folk Bernadette Stirling, HPX Group Tennille Roache, LexisNexis Peter Johnston, Strategy, Leadership & Transformation Consultant |
AWARDS CEREMONIES
Winners will be announced at regional ICONic Awards lunches held across our Asia-Pacific network on 12 March 2026, bringing together finalists, peers and industry leaders to celebrate excellence in BD, marketing and communications.
Register for the event in your region
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- 500 - 1,000 word submission outlining the project or individual's work.
- Up to three supporting exhibits (e.g. campaign assets, metrics dashboard, client/stakeholder testimonials if available).
- Executive endorsement (short note from a partner, practice head or firm executive).
- Free entry for ICON Members (Non-Member fee: $200 for individual and $500 for team submissions)
SCORING RUBRIC
| Criteria | Weight | Evaluation Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Thinking | 25% | Goals clearly defined; alignment with firm/practice strategy; audience targeting. |
| Innovation & Creativity | 20% | Fresh, bold ideas; use of new methods, channels or thinking. |
| Execution Excellence | 20% | Quality of delivery, project management discipline, overcoming challenges. |
| Measurable Impact | 25% | Clear metrics showing results (revenue, client engagement, brand lift, etc.). |
| Client-Centricity | 10% | Demonstrated client focus; rather than firm focus. |
| Supporting Evidence | 5% | Quality and relevance of exhibits, testimonials and evidence provided. |
| Total | 100% |
KEY DATES
9 December 2025: Award Nominations Open
13 February 2026: Award Nominations Close
24 February 2026: Finalists Announced
12 March 2026: Regional Award Ceremonies
ICON THANKS OUR AWARD SPONSORS
For more sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@iconapac.com
Gold Sponsor | Optimise Media is a global leader in media strategy, planning and buying with a focus on measurable outcomes. With offices globally, and locally in Sydney and Melbourne, Optimise drives performance-based outcomes for clients in retail and B2B including professional services. Using their proprietary martech platform, and relationships with over 50 media outlets in Australia across TV, audio, out-of-home they guarantee clients better performance from media investment. |
Individual Category Sponsors
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